HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 77
(By Delegates M. Poling, Paxton, Perry, Pethtel, Duke, Moye,
Rodighiero, Romine, Lawrence, Williams, Smith, Stowers,
Ireland, Louisos, D. Walker, Shott, Rowan, Ennis, Fragale,
Crosier, Beach, Andes, Shaver, Sumner and Canterbury.)
[Originating in the Committee on Education]
(February 25, 2010)
Requesting the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to
conduct a study on the care and prevention of concussion
injuries in sports regulated by the Secondary Schools
Activities Commission including, not limited to, developing
the guidelines and other pertinent information to inform and
educate coaches, youth athletes and their parents or
guardians of the nature and risk of concussion and head
injury and continuing to play after concussion or head
injury.
Whereas, As many as 3.8 million concussions related to
sports and recreation are estimated to occur in the United States
each year and there are an estimated 300,000 concussions annually
among professional, college and high school football players; and
Whereas, Most concussions are mild, but re-injury and second
impact syndrome can lead to lifelong disability and death; and
Whereas, Re-injury and second impact syndrome are highly
preventable, but one in fifteen athletes with a concussion have
recurring concussions within seven to ten days from their first concussion; and
Whereas, Concussions are the most common type of brain
injury in sports and restricting cognitive and physical activity
immediately after the concussion is crucial for recovery; and
Whereas, The ability to prevent concussion injuries in
sports relies on the education of athletes, coaches, referees,
administrators and parents regarding the detection and management
of a concussion; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is hereby
requested to conduct a study on the care and prevention of
concussion injuries in sports regulated by the Secondary Schools
Activities Commission including, not limited to, developing the
guidelines and other pertinent information to inform and educate
coaches, youth athletes and their parents or guardians of the
nature and risk of concussion and head injury and continuing to
play after concussion or head injury; and be it
Further Resolved, That the Joint Committee on Government and
Finance is requested to report to the regular session of the
Legislature, 2011, on its findings, conclusions and
recommendations together with drafts of any legislation necessary
to effectuate its recommendations; and be it
Further Resolved, That the expenses necessary to conduct
this study, to prepare a report and draft necessary legislation are requested to be paid from legislative appropriations to the
Joint Committee on Government and Finance.